The cost of paupers' funerals has reached a four year high in Hammersmith and Fulham.

Since 2012, the figure has dipped up and down, but last year the costs of what are also known as public health funerals reached its highest point at £18,000, almost double the amount spent the previous year (2014/15).

And with more than four months left of the financial year of 2016/17, the most recent figures point to a continuing escalating trend with £17,089.

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Over the past four years, Hammersmith and Fulham has seen the amount it spends on Public Health Funerals rise by 60% - way above the national average, which has seen a 30% rise to a total of £1.7 million.

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Mr Curran said: “It is an unfortunate part of our society that increasing numbers of people are dying alone and this also leaves the responsibility of arranging and funding the funeral to the local authority or hospital.

“The Funeral Fund can help significantly with finance, while also confirming whether or not there are next of kin - free of charge.

"As part of the service we advise the deceased’s neighbours and friends about the funeral in advance in case they wish to attend.